Archive for April, 2014

Smart shoppers take their time and collect all the facts before making a decision. Especially when it comes to the finishes you put in your home. Choosing the best ceramic tile for your home is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget to best meet the needs of your lifestyle.

The beauty of ceramic tile is the flexibility you have with design options, especially through the use of the accent pieces: trim work and decorative tiles.

Steps for trim work and decorative tile use

identify the room and its application

select the type of tile

then its color and shade

then its texture and size

finally, a layout pattern is designed

the trim and decorative patterns are determined

grout color and type are chosen

Floor Tile Trims

Bullnose

one rounded finished edge on the tile for a finishing

sometimes it is also used as a substitute for cove base

Corner Bullnose

two rounded finished edges on the tile to be used to complete a corner

Sanitary Cove Base

rounded finished top like a bullnose to cover up the body of the tile

Color, texture and shading

tiles are intended to show color and texture variations

glaze also varies, different tile styles will also exhibit different gloss levels

solid color tiles provide a consistent look

shade variation is inherent in all fired ceramic products

certain tiles will show greater variation within their dye lots

shade variation is usually listed on the back label of each sample

low, moderate, high or random rating

color of the body of the tile is determined by the color of the clay

quality of the tile is more related to the quality of the manufacturer, not the color of the body

color variations will also be present between manufacturers’ samples

Low (V1). Consistent shade and texture
Moderate (V2)

moderate shade and texture variation

High (V3)

high shade and texture variation

Random (V4)

high shade and texture variation

Moisture absorption and tile density

As the composition of glaze varies, different styles of tile will exhibit different gloss levels and surface textures. This is important to note when choosing your ceramic tile flooring. For example, in areas that are used while wet, such as your shower or bathroom floor, they should have low moisture absorption and good slip resistance.

Moisture Absorption

as the density of the tile increases, the amount of moisture that tile can absorb becomes less

Tile Density

as the weight or the density of the tile increases, it becomes a stronger tile

density of the tile increases the moisture absorption rate becomes less

Non-Vitreous Tiles

tiles that absorb 7% or more moisture

suited for indoor use only

Semi-Vitreous Tiles

tiles that absorb from 3% to 7% moisture

applicable for indoor use only

Vitreous Tiles

tiles that absorb less that 3% moisture

referred to as frost resistant tiles

cannot be used in exterior areas where freeze

thaw conditions could cause tile cracking

Impervious Tiles

tiles that have less than .5% moisture absorption

frost proof

can be used in exterior areas or on the outside of building facades

Grout

typically mixed on site

slight color variations can occur within different areas of the same installation with the same grout color

can vary from the manufacturer’s sample

attributed to variations in temperature and humidity at the time of grouting

common to see grout variations when comparing the grout color in a tile floor and the same grout color on the tile countertop or wall

select a color that blends in with the overall color of the tile to minimize the appearance of the grout

select a grout color that is lighter or darker than the tile

in high traffic areas, you may want to select a darker grout

exact layouts, type of grout and grout joints widths are determined by the tile setter at the time of installation and are governed by the actual size and shape of the tile, and the exact dimensions of the areas to be covered

The number of hardwood choices, patterns, colors, textures and price points can intimidate even the most experienced shopper. Knowing the basic styles can provide you with a firm foundation upon which to begin your hardwood-shopping journey. Choosing your ideal hardwood style is all about knowing the right combination of aesthetics, performance and budget that meets the needs of your lifestyle.

Personal Style

designs: medallions, running on the diagonal, or creating borders

Types

Pre-finished:

ready for installation

boards already sanded, stained and finished

harder, better- protected surface

wider variety of wood species

save hours of labor and cleanup

extended finish warranty

Unfinished:

allow you to have a custom job

you choose the wood species

it’s sanded and stained on site

can level the surface after installation

no extended finish warranty

Location

look at installation site for location limitations

solid floors -susceptible to moisture, not recommended for basements, or concrete slabs

Water Based Urethane – water used as part of the make up of the finishSolvent Based Urethane – oil used as part of the make up of the finishMoisture Cured Urethane – similar make up as solvent based urethanes, finish needs moisture to cure